Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (4 page)

NEWT and THESEUS enter the room, where TORQUIL TRAVERS (harsh, mean-spirited), ARNOLD GUZMAN (American), and RUDOLPH SPIELMAN (who is still bruised from GRINDELWALD’Sescape, the bloody bite visible on his neck) are already sitting.

Two empty chairs, which NEWT and THESEUS take. The corners of the room are in darkness.

TRAVERS

Hearing commences.

The quill begins to write. TRAVERS opens a file in front of him, which contains pictures of NEWT’S Wanted pictures and of the post-Obscurial devastation in NewYork.

TRAVERS

You want an end to the ban on your traveling internationally. Why?

NEWT

Because I like to travel internationally.

SPIELMAN

(reading from his own file)

“Subject uncooperative and evasive on reasons for last international trip.”

All look at NEWT, waiting.

NEWT

It was a field trip. I was collecting material for my book on magical beasts—

TRAVERS

You destroyed half of New York.

NEWT

No, that’s actually factually incorrect on two counts—

THESEUS

(quiet but stern)

Newt!

NEWT stops, frowns.

GUZMAN

Mr. Scamander, it’s clear you’re frustrated and, frankly, so are we. In the spirit of compromise, we’d like to make a proposition.

Mr. Scamander. The wizarding and non-wizarding worlds have been at peace for over a century. Grindelwald wants to see that peace destroyed, and for certain members of ourcommunity his message is very seductive. Many purebloods believe it is their birthright to rule not only our world but the non-magic world as well. They see Grindelwald as their hero, andGrindelwald sees this boy as a means to make this all come true.

Hearing this, NEWT frowns, watching as CREDENCE’S face emerges in the surface of the table.

NEWT

I’m sorry. You’re talking about Credence as if he were still here.

THESEUS

He survived, Newt.

NEWT stops cold, his eyes fixed on THESEUS. THESEUS nods.

THESEUS

He’s still alive. He left New York months ago. He’s somewhere in Europe. Where exactly, we don’t know, but—

NEWT

And you want me to hunt Credence down? To kill him?

Out of the shadows in the corner comes deep, nasty laughter.

GRIMMSON

Same old Scamander.

NEWT reacts to the sound of the voice. GRIMMSON moves into the light. Scarred, brutal, he is a beast hunter for hire.

NEWT

(furious)

What’s he doing here?

GRIMMSON

Taking on the job you’re too soft to do.

GRIMMSON walks toward them while the ghostly image of CREDENCE shimmers on the enchanted surface of the table.

GRIMMSON

(of CREDENCE)

Is that it?

NEWT rises furiously, storms toward the door.

TRAVERS

(calling after him)

Travel documentation denied!

THESEUS stares at the door as it closes. The committee looks unsurprised, turns their gazes to the smirking GRIMMSON.

SCENE 20

INT. MINISTRY OF MAGIC, CORRIDOR—AFTERNOON

THESEUS chases after NEWT.

THESEUS

Newt!

NEWT stops. Turns.

THESEUS

(testy)

You think I like the idea of Grimmson any more than you do?

NEWT

Listen, I don’t want to hear how the ends justify the means, Theseus.

THESEUS

I think you’re gonna have to pull your head out of the sand!

NEWT

(exasperated)

Okay, right, here we go. What a selfish . . . irresponsible . . .

THESEUS

You know, the time is coming when everyone’s going to have to pick a side. Even you.

NEWT

I don’t do sides.

THESEUS

Newt . . .

He turns to go, but THESEUS runs after him, grabs his arm to hold him back.

THESEUS

(pulling him in for a hug)

C’mere.

NEWT doesn’t reciprocate but doesn’t fight him off either.

THESEUS

(in NEWT’S ear)

They’re watching you.

SCENE 21

INT. MINISTRY OF MAGIC, HEARING ROOM—AFTERNOON

GRIMMSON is sitting in what was NEWT’S seat, facing the committee.

GRIMMSON

Well, gentlemen. I assume this means I have the job.

SCENE 22

EXT. SKYLINE OF UPMARKET QUARTER OF PARIS—AFTERNOON

Establishing shot.

SCENE 23

EXT. ELEGANT STREET OF 19TH-CENTURY PARISIAN HOUSES—AFTERNOON

GRINDELWALD and ACOLYTES stand in the street. GRINDELWALD points his cane at a particularly fine house.